Early risers to support Socceroos

By Stephanie Muir
Updated November 7 2012 - 1:20pm, first published June 22 2010 - 11:35pm
GO THE SOCCEROOS: Mount Austin Public School pupils Jacob Meredith, Maleke Morris, Jarrod Rafter, Liam Wooden, Dylan Minchin, Ashleigh Howe, Martisha Haigh, Tiarnah Carkeek, Jared Ladbury, Sam Thurling, Breeanna Fomiatti, Adelaide Roach, Katrina Crock, Cassey Brown, Dylan Martin, Dylan McDonell, Zane Bolger, Tyronne Hoerler, Brendan Paton, Liam Wright, Paige Brunskill, Aleisha Guller, Jessica Wil
GO THE SOCCEROOS: Mount Austin Public School pupils Jacob Meredith, Maleke Morris, Jarrod Rafter, Liam Wooden, Dylan Minchin, Ashleigh Howe, Martisha Haigh, Tiarnah Carkeek, Jared Ladbury, Sam Thurling, Breeanna Fomiatti, Adelaide Roach, Katrina Crock, Cassey Brown, Dylan Martin, Dylan McDonell, Zane Bolger, Tyronne Hoerler, Brendan Paton, Liam Wright, Paige Brunskill, Aleisha Guller, Jessica Wil

SPORTS-mad kids in the Riverina will treat tomorrow morning like Christmas Day as they rise before the sun in the hope the Socceroos can deliver a special present.Across the region weary-eyed youngsters will climb out of their beds ready to support the Socceroos as they attempt to salvage the remains of their World Cup campaign with a last-ditch effort against Serbia.The World Cup has brought a flood of support for the sport of soccer and Australia's stars, but arguably the biggest swing has unfolded at Mount Austin Public School.Only months ago the prospect of rising at 4.30am for a soccer game would have encouraged all the enthusiasm of an afternoon of multiplication tables, however a profound change has occurred at the passionate rugby league school.At the front of the school, a Socceroos flag is flying proudly, kids are ditching their rugby league balls in favour of a soccer ball and Socceroos merchandise hangs from every crevice of the classroom.Mount Austin teacher Sam Grey yesterday declared the sporting mentality at the school is slowly changing -and Lucas Neil is inspiring the revolution."I have never seen the kids so excited about a sport they know very little about," he said."This isn't a football school, it has always been a rugby league school, but things are changing."We have kids that are putting away their rugby balls at lunch in favour of playing football and they are really enjoying it."They are showing a real enthusiasm to learn the skills of football and they are quickly coming to adopt the sport of football."The majority of kids at Mount Austin are too young to remember much of Australia's incredible and ground-breaking World Cup campaign in Germany four years ago but South Africa is leaving its impression on the youngsters.Nine-year-old rugby league talent Maleke Morris yesterday revealed he will be looking to spend a little bit more time on the soccer field."I play rugby league for Turvey Park and I have played soccer for the school," Maleke said. "I have been playing soccer at lunch and I want to play a bit more soccer now."Rising Riverina soccer star Cassey Brown declared she wants to represent the Matildas after being inspired by the efforts and dedication of the Socceroos."I would love to play for Australia," she said."I will definitely be getting up to watch the game against Serbia, I can't wait."

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